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Top assault with a punk rock finale - 28 May 2001- Sächsische Zeitung

by Andy Dallmann
Rammstein inspire 12,000 fans in Riesa
No flaming inferno, no provocative dildo, and nothing that could be construed as scandalous. Rammstein expressed their show as a concert whereas the preceding Tour focused to a larger extent on the effects. In conclusion – it’s now a kind of riotous version of Copperfield.

The 12,000 fans in the sold out Riesa Sachsen Arena on Saturday were there no matter what happened. The six musical protagonists presenting themselves as the “new German hardness" have finally matured and the songs from the current album “Mutter" are evidence of it. It’s obvious also that the musicians are convinced of the increasing value of their work. Along with the complete album they shamelessly interspersed the old hits.

Frankenstein Image
They slipped onto the stage from a spherical cocoon floating above to join their colleague keyboarder Flake Lorenz, half naked in the meagre light. One after the other they received their dry ice shower and a few animating electrical shocks - Frankenstein creatures, and completely in the sense of the new band image. There was just fog, sparks and then flames. On stage and in the chest of Till Lindemann – “Mein Herz brennt", the beginning of an almost two-hour journey into a mental abyss furiously unfolded.

It didn’t matter whether or not the political opinions hidden within “Links 2 3 4” were understood - live the number develops a hypnotic effect, which was only just exceeded later with “Ich will”. At this point even the meanest of adversaries would have felt shivers up their spines. The reaction is calculated, it is clear the song is presented as a rousing anthem and not without this predictable effect. Failure or not – that was no longer a question.

No love lost
The band did not bother with explanations, no small talk with the audience, no tittle-tattle on demands, no love lost. To some this appears arrogant but its pure concept. Inconsequential chatter would be the death of this atmosphere, which is for Rammstein more than just a brand name. Self-irony is fraught with danger and must be produced carefully, these guys did it perfectly.

The also permitted a blast from the past, from the first two records with new esteem came such songs as “Weißes Fleisch”, “Asche zu Asche”, “Engel” and “Du Hast”. The undisputed Depeche Mode cover favourite “Stripped" was slipped in and worked perfectly.

And so to the grand finale, together with the musicians from Clawfinger, who were the support, the band paid homage with punk rock song “Pet Sematary" by the Ramones in cheerful manners and from the heart. An appreciation of Joey Ramone who died on Easter Sunday, but who was not buried in the manner of his song in the cemetery for cuddly animals.
Rammstein get ideas for new songs from such suggestions. A little horror never reduces the pleasure.

© 2005 Sue Lindemann